Sonia Cheah was expected to salvage the situation but she only lasted 28 minutes before bowing out at 7-21, 13-21 to a determined Tai Tzu-ying.

Like the saviour he had been for countless times, Chong Wei restored some order when he blew away Yang Chih-hsun 21-8, 21-13 in just 24 minutes to the delight of the home fans to keep Malaysia’s hope alive at 1-2.

Then, all hoped rested on top women doubles shuttlers Woon Khe Wei-Vivian Hoo to defy the odds against the more experienced Cheng Wen-hsing-Hsieh Pei-chen but they lost 17-21, 19-21 despite playing their hearts out.

In a match that had no bearing, Peng Soon-Liu Ying beat Lu Ching-yao-Lai Chia-wen 25-23, 21-11, for the overall 3-2 score in favour of Taiwan.

Chong Wei admitted that the shock defeat of Kien Keat-Boon Heong had rattled the team.

“I did not expect Koo and Tan to lose. They did not play to the rhythm of their game. They committed plenty of mistakes,” said Chong Wei.

“Sonia too could not handle the pressure although she had beaten Tzu-ying twice during the Axiata Cup. Playing in the Sudirman Cup is different.

“But I hope the team will not give up. The road has become tougher but we can still rise from this defeat.

“We will be playing Germany next (tomorrow). We need to win to keep alive our hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals. We will support and encourage each another. The battle is not over.”

Vivian-Khe Wei was disappointed that they could not save the tie for Malaysia although they knew the team depended on them.

“We have never met them and tried our best but it was not good enough,” said Khe Wei.

Vivian, who was only a reserve in the team two years ago, said: “We lost but this is not the time to cry over it. We still have a chance and we must re-focus on the next tie against Germany.”

“There was certainly more pressure playing than sitting on the bench but it was certainly a great experience for me. We will only get better from here.”